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- $Unique_ID{BRK01298}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Why the Sudden Push for Extra Tetanus Immunizations?}
- $Subject{immunization tetanus shot aging infections immunizations injection
- lockjaw bacteria cut scratch infection shots injections age }
- $Volume{A-0,R-0,T-0}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Why the Sudden Push for Extra Tetanus Immunizations?
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- QUESTION: I was just a bit astonished when during a routine visit to my
- doctor, I was required to have a tetanus shot. I am now in my middle 50's and
- have been made to have this injection since my college days. Why the sudden
- push for extra immunizations? Are they truly necessary?
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-
- ANSWER: There are some who know about such things that would say your doctor
- deserves recognition rather than a rap, for he is actually doing what doctors
- should do most, practicing preventive medicine. Tetanus (or lockjaw) is a
- frightful disease, easy to catch since the spores of the bacteria can be found
- most anywhere. It doesn't take a major injury to expose you to infection,
- since a cut or scratch, or even dental surgery, can lead to tetanus. The
- Centers for Disease Control recommend that adults have a booster doses every
- 10 years, after the initial immunization schedule of three injections. Many
- doctors use the schedule of 25 years old, 35 years old etc. to keep track, so
- I guess that makes you 55 years old. And if you keep seeing this informed
- physician, you can look forward to another booster at age 65.
-
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-